Veterinary Practice Act 2026 · Updated to 1 Aug 2026 · Part 5 · Disciplinary Proceedings and Other Matters
65. Appointment of experts and legal counsel for inquiry or review before Interim Orders Committee
Feedback & supportFor the purposes of an inquiry into a disciplinary case or a review of an interim order by an Interim Orders Committee, the Council may appoint one or more of the following:
disciplinary case
“disciplinary case” means a complaint made against, or any information provided about, a registered veterinarian under Part 5, and, if an interim suspension order is made against the registered veterinarian in relation to the complaint or information, includes any contravention or suspected contravention of the interim suspension order or any term specified for the interim suspension order;
an independent expert;
an advocate and solicitor to prosecute the disciplinary case, or to advise the Interim Orders Committee on any legal matter relating to the inquiry or review.
Before appointing any independent expert under subsection (1)(a), the Council must give the registered veterinarian concerned an opportunity to make representations on the proposed appointment.
The representations mentioned in subsection (2) may be made in writing or, if the Council allows, in person.
The Council may, instead of or in addition to appointing an independent expert under subsection (1)(a), allow the registered veterinarian concerned to appoint an independent expert at the registered veterinarian’s own expense.
registered veterinarian
“registered veterinarian” means an individual who is registered under this Act as —(a)a veterinarian with full registration;(b)a veterinarian with restricted registration; or(c)a specialist;
If an independent expert or an advocate and solicitor is appointed under subsection (1), the Council may pay him or her, as part of the expenses of the Council, any remuneration that the Council may determine.
If an independent expert or an advocate and solicitor appointed under subsection (1) is an employee, any remuneration payable to the independent expert or advocate and solicitor under subsection (5) may be paid to his or her employer.